The Super Eagles of Nigeria made a winning start to their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a deserved 2-1 victory over Tanzania, thanks to goals from Semi Ajayi and Alex Iwobi, Footynaija.com reports.
Eric Chelle’s men asserted themselves early, dictating the tempo and pushing Tanzania deep with sustained possession and quick movement of the ball.
They created a series of early openings, most notably when Akor Adams crashed a header against the crossbar, while Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze both tested Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Foba.
Nigeria’s dominance eventually translated into a breakthrough in the 36th minute. Alex Iwobi’s sublime cross caused problems in the Tanzanian box and Semi Ajayi rose highest to plant a firm header into the bottom corner, giving the Super Eagles a lead their control of the game merited.
The West Africans continued to pile on the pressure before the interval, finishing the first half with a commanding share of possession and attempts on goal, but went into the break with only a one-goal cushion to show for their efforts.
The second half got off to a cracking start as Tanzania threatened to derail Nigeria’s momentum shortly after the restart, capitalising on a rare defensive lapse to equalise through Charles M’Mombwa.
Just two minutes later though, Ademola Lookman restored Nigeria’s advantage in spectacular fashion, unleashing a precise left-footed strike from outside the box after being teed up by Iwobi. It was a moment of quality that reasserted Nigeria’s authority on the contest.
From there, Nigeria managed the game with maturity, controlling possession and limiting Tanzania to half-chances and set-piece situations. The Super Eagles finished with 21 shots, 11 of them on target, and posted a superior expected goals tally of 1.55.
Despite Tanzania’s late pressure, Chelle’s men remained composed at the back and saw out the closing stages to seal a confidence-boosting victory and lay down an early marker in Group C.
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